Agro-climatic Conditions Of India Research Articles

Ampelographic Diversity Assessment of Local Grape Genotype Grown in India

Grapevine is well adapted to the agro climatic conditions of India, which makes it one of the major element of the Indian horticulture. However, there has been limited focus on assessing grapevine germplasm, and genetic resources have previously remained underutilized despite their potential for adapting to environmental changes. This study aims to evaluate the diversity of local (developed in India) grapevine accessions growing in different regions in India. A total of 20 local varieties were evaluated using 14 fruit traits previously developed by DUS. An important variability was revealed among the local varieties studied based on fruit characteristics. The most discriminant traits were bunch weight, berry diameter, bunch length, berry weight, berry shape, seed number per berry. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed three main clusters, each regrouping accessions of different named varieties. Mean values of cluster for various yield parameters revealed that cluster I possessed maximum value for yield related attributes. Maximum bunch weight was observed in Manjari Medika (270.0g) followed by Pusa Seedless (243.1 g), Arka Shyam (213.5 g) while higher 50 berry weight (201.0 g) and berry diameter (20.30 mm) in Arka Majestic genotype. Arka Majestic and Manjari Medika showed better quality traits. Our results indicate a potential of morphological diversity within the local genotypes that should be further investigated in order to understand their performance and to evaluate them in selection programs.

Godavari Ratna - New Oil Palm Hybrid Released for Coastal Region of Maharashtra

Palm oil is an important source of vegetable oil used in a wide range of products. In India, an area of 19.33 lakh ha in 18 states is identified as the potential area for oil palm cultivation by various Expert Committees constituted by the Government of India. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), being a potential carbon-sequestering perennial crop by biological means, has helped in mitigating global warming and climatic fluctuations. Considering the need for potentially high-yielding oil palm variety for plantation, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR), Pedavegi, supplied ten new hybrids for testing their performance under different agro-climatic conditions in India. The present study conducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Palms (Oil palm) at the College of Horticulture, Mulde, Maharashtra revealed that out of ten different hybrids (NRCOP-01 to NRCOP-10), hybrid NRCOP-2 performed consistently better in terms of yield. NRCOP-2 recorded the highest bunch weight (19.22 kg bunch-1), number of fresh fruit bunches per palm (8.14), highest fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) yield (22.14 t ha-1) and highest oil yield (5.36 t ha-1) as compared to other hybrids. Based on twelve years of evaluation, NRCOP-2 was consistently found to be high oil yielding and hence was released for cultivation in the coastal region of Maharashtra and Western Ghat under the name Godavari Ratna during the 2019 Annual Group Meeting of AICRP on Palms.

Modeling Evapotranspiration at Larger Temporal Scales: Effects of Temporal Aggregation and Data Gaps

Evapotranspiration (ET) at weekly and monthly time scales is often needed for various applications. When using remote sensing (RS)-based models, this can be achieved either by averaging all the required input variables to the intended time scale and simulating ET using models (input aggregation), or by estimating daily ET from the models and averaging to weekly or monthly ET (output aggregation). It is not clear if both these aggregation approaches yield the same outcome when using RS-based models for the estimation of ET. Another issue in obtaining ET at longer time scales is the lack of enough satellite observations to estimate ET with reasonable accuracy. This study aimed to compare the input and output aggregation approaches to obtain ET at weekly and monthly time scales using three RS ET models, namely, Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Lab (PT-JPL), Soil Plant Atmosphere and Remote Sensing Evapotranspiration (SPARSE), and Surface Temperature Initiated Closure (STIC) models. The study was conducted using in situ data over six sites of different agro-climatic conditions in India, Tunisia, and France. The results indicate that the input aggregation provided relatively better results for monthly and weekly ET values than the output aggregation, having a lower RMSE (1–40%). Further, it was found that at least seven to eight satellite observations per month are required to obtain reliable ET estimate when using RS-based models.

Assessment of Rice Hybrids on Growth, Yield and Economics under Different Agro-climatic Conditions in India

The field experimental trial was carried out during kharif season 2021 at CRF SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. Experiment was laid out in statistically Randomized Block Design (RBD). The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.35%), available nitrogen (108 kg/ha), P2O5 (22.15 kg/ha) and available K2O (280 kg/ha). The experimental result revealed that the hybrid UR-16 has recorded significantly higher in growth and yield attributes. Growth attributes viz., Plant height (120.57 cm), Number of tillers/hill (15.07), Maximum dry weight (55.91 g). Yield attributes viz., Panicle length (28.41 cm), Test weight (26.48 g) and yields viz., Grain yield per hill (28.37 g), Grain yield (6.85 t/ha), Straw yield (12.96 t/ha) and the same hybrid has also obtained maximum gross returns (589860.00 INR/ha), net returns (95174.00 INR/ha), and B:C ratio (1.76).

Dissipation behaviour and safety risk assessment of a ready-mix formulation of clomazone and 2,4-D in rice field under tropical agro-climatic conditions of India

ABSTRACT This study portrays the dissipation behaviour of the herbicide mixture of clomazone and 2,4-D (clomazone 20% + 2,4-D ethyl ester 30% EC) in a rice field system. The combined formulation is widely used in India as it controls a broad spectrum of weeds, but its fate in tropical environment and the risks involved to the consumer as well as to the environment are still unexplored. Therefore, a supervised field trial was conducted following the post-emergence application of clomazone 20% + 2,4-D ethyl ester 30% EC at recommended (625 g a.i./ha) and double the recommended dose (1250 g a.i./ha) in rice in two consecutive seasons (Kharif and Rabi). The analytical methods for both clomazone and 2,4-D validated as per the SANTE guideline. The residues of clomazone were extracted by the modified QuEChERS method and analysed by GC-MS/MS, whereas the residues 2,4-D were extracted by classical partitioning method and analysed by LC-MS/MS. The recovery percentage of both the compounds ranged between 86–95% with LOQ 0.01 mg/kg for all matrices (rice grain, straw, husk, and field soil). The dissipation of both the compounds followed first-order kinetics. The half-life of clomazone and 2,4-D in soil ranged between 1.06–1.27 days and 4.74–6.24 days, respectively. The residues of clomazone and 2,4-D were below quantification level (BLOQ) in the harvested rice co-products (rice grain, husk and straw) and soil samples. Therefore, it can be summarised that the application of this herbicide mixture in rice cultivation will not pose any residual toxicity and the rice grains are safe for human consumption. Besides, the soil ecological risk assessment indicated that both the compounds possess low risk towards earthworm and soil arthropods. However, there was a concern about soil algal toxicity, which needs to be reconfirmed by further studies to establish a conclusive inference.

Persistence, dissipation and health risk assessment of combi-product profenofos and cypermethrin in/on sapota under sub-tropical agro-climatic conditions in India

Sapota, a prominent and economically important fruit crop of India is susceptible to several species of insect and mite pests. Several pesticides formulations are used to control the pest damage in sapota. The present investigation was aimed to study the dissipation and persistence behaviour of combi-product profenofos 40% + cypermethrin 4% (44EC) at the standard dose (SD) (1162 g a.i. ha-1+106 g a.i. ha-1) and double to standard dose (2×SD) (2324 g a.i. ha-1+212 g a.i. ha-1) in/on sapota under tropical agro-climatic conditions of South Gujarat in India. Prior to quantitative analysis of pesticide residue on Gas chromatography with electron captured detector (GC-ECD), the modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) based method was validated on its accuracy, precision, linearity and sensitivity. Profenofos persisted in sapota up to 30 days with the half-lives of 5.65 and 7.34 days at SD and 2×SD, respectively. Cypermethrin dissipated at a rapid pace and was below quantitation limit (BQL) on 7 days at either dose of application; the half-life values recorded were 3.27 and 4.43 days at SD and 2×SD, respectively. This is the first case study that reflects 14 days as a waiting period after the last spray of combi-product (44EC) at standard dose facilitates the residue-free sapota fruits. Further, the health risk index (HRI<1) and Health Index (HI %< 100%) indicates that the application of combi-product profenofos 40% + cypermethrin 4% (44EC) at standard dose could not pose any health risk to Indian consumers.

Comparison of nutrient composition of wild Dioscorea species consumed by ethnic groups of Odisha in India with commercially cultivated roots and tubers

This study was carried out to analyze the nutrient composition of wild tubers belonging to Dioscorea genus of the Dioscoreaceae family consumed by the ethnic groups in the Jeypore District of Koraput region in Odisha, India. The collected tubers are significant storehouses of energy and nutrition and also, they are known to produce large quantities of energy in relatively less time than the other crops. We have selected six wild species of Dioscorea collected from Odisha among the twenty-six reported species of India, along with five locally available cultivated tuber varieties of different genera from Tamil Nadu markets for comparison. The objective of this study is to understand the major source of nutrition of the ethnic groups, who consume local plant varieties collected from the wild and also to compare them with that of commercially available cultivated varieties in the view of the prevailing biodiversity and the varied agro-climatic conditions in India.

Investigation of monoterpenoids rich essential oils of two Ocimum basilicum L. varieties at different agro-climatic conditions in India

India is an emerging basil essential oil producer in South-east Asia. Two high essential oil yielding hybrids, namely one inter specific hybrid between of O. basilicum and O. kilimandscharicum Gürke (HYBL-1) and another intraspecific hybrid of O. basilicum × O. basilicum (OBL-1) of basil were analyzed using GC, enantiomeric GC, NMR, enantio-GC–MS and GC–MS methods. Inter specific hybrid HYBL-1 contained high essential oil-rich in linalool (68.5%), camphor (8%), and 1,8-cineole (4.6%) as characteristic constituents among monoterpenoids, whereas β-caryophyllene (1.9%), germacrene D (1.0%), and epi-α-cadinol (1.9%) were the sesquiterpenoids at the Lucknow (North Indian conditions) and linalool (71.8%), camphor (9.4%) and 1,8-cineole (4.3%) at Hyderabad (South Indian conditions) locations. Intraspecific hybrid (OBL-1) possessed linalool (66.1%), 1,8-cineole (5.4%) and geraniol (8.6%) with sesquiterpenoids in low proportions. Inter specific hybrid HYBL-1 showed superiority over OBL-1 in the multi-location trials conducted at Lucknow and Hyderabad. Average mean performance of inter specific hybrid over locations was: herb yield 44.80 t/ha, oil content 0.63%, oil yield 188.50 kg/ha, linalool content 67.65%, camphor content 8.90% v/s OBL-1 herb yield 21.32 t/ha, oil content 0.53%, oil yield 97.50 kg/ha, linalool content 65.55%, camphor content 0.00%, respectively. The essential oil of these two hybrids subjected to enantiomer differentiation revealed a high enantiomeric excess for (3R) -(−)-linalool, whereas (1R)- (+)-camphor was recorded exclusively in inter specific hybrid. The extensive NMR experiments were performed to confirm constituents in these hybrids and found that NMR spectroscopy could also be an ideal tool for the differentiation of essential oils from commercial samples declared as natural.

Mitochondrial COI based genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on cotton in India

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important pest of cotton in India. The study of taxonomic diversity and its distribution on cotton is lacking. Such studies are necessary to identify the genetic groups of B. tabaci and its distribution on cotton in India. The proper identification of genetic groups and their distribution, which, ultimately, can lead to the timely development and utilization of management practices. The current study was undertaken to explore the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of B. tabaci from all the three major cotton growing zones representing different agro-climatic conditions of India. 290 partial mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (mt COI) sequences of whitefly population of six major cotton-growing states covering 22 districts were used in the analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two monophyletic clades, Asia I and Asia II1 genetic groups represents South-Central India and North India respectively. Asia II1 is found more predominately distributed in the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) disease-prone north Indian cotton-growing states. Higher genetic divergence (16.8–19.2%) was observed between the populations of Asia I and Asia II1 genetic group. Genetic differentiation analysis confirmed the phylogeographic structure of B. tabaci as isolated by distance. Our results in mapping the distribution of genetic groups in cotton ecosystems paved the way for the further studies and formulation of area-wide management practices for cotton whitely in India.

Institutional performance and participatory paradigms: Comparing two groups of watersheds in semi-arid region of India

Watershed development programmes carried out in different agroclimatic conditions in India resulted in beneficial impact in terms of productivity enhancement and natural resources conservation, but less attention paid to institutional and participatory aspects. This paper explored the performance of various institutions regarding execution of watershed development programmes in semi-arid region of India. Recorded observations from documents maintained at watershed level and information collected through primary survey as well as focus group discussion with different types of stakeholders were used for analysis. The results indicated lacunae in participatory aspects during programme implementation process like monitoring activities, management of common property resources and equity. Gap in linkages and differential level of performance of various watershed level functionaries indicates the necessity for corrections in the structures and linkages pattern for sustainability of the infrastructure and institutions. The study also showed unequal priorities by the implementing agencies towards institutions, land and water resources development, production enhancement activities and fodder resources development as well as rationalities of technical, economic, financial, political and social aspects among the watersheds.

Evaluation of forewarning models for mustard aphids in different agro-climatic zones of India.

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), is the most serious pest of Rapeseed-Mustard which is known to be responsible for a tremendous loss in yield and oil content, under various agro-climatic conditions of India. Information support on aphid occurrence and intensity is necessary for effective management by the farmers in the mustard-growing belt. In this study, an effort is made to develop forewarning model using the field data on aphid for 12 consecutive rabi seasons from 2003-2004 to 2014-2015 under different agro-climatic locations in India. Three main components of aphid-related stages were identified for which necessary forewarnings were needed to be issued: (1) severity, (2) the time of reaching the economic threshold level (ETL) for decision-making on pesticide application, and (3) time of occurrence of peak population. To address these, three different models were developed/used and validated using incident field dataset. Those field observations when the infestation level were below severe category (< 60) during rising phase of the aphid population were found to indicate highest R sqr. (0.82) for the model-I during validation. When model-II was used, 11 out of 14 locations (78.57%) stood validated. The assumptions made in model-III also got validated when humidity thermal ratio (HTR) of the week of peak population ranged between 1.5 and 4 (lowest among the weeks considered), and population reached severe category. The models showed better results during real-time validation in seasons 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, thus suggesting that these three models can be used to ascertain the severity, week of ETL, and week of peak aphid population for Brassica juncea varieties all over the mustard belt in India and can be operationalized spatially to forewarn against the aphid pest population in future under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

Evaluation of a Crop Growth Model for Sweet Potato Over a Set of Agro-Climatic Conditions in India

A study was conducted to evaluate the wider applicability of sweet potato growth model, ‘SPOTCOMS’ for simulating the phenology and yield over a set of agroclimatic conditions in India. The model simulated the phenology of the crop as a function of growing degree days. The genetic coefficients required for the model were estimated from the field experiments conducted with sweet potato variety, Sree Bhadra and other local varieties at the study locations. The model simulated the yield of the sweet potato well and the statistical indices calculated between the simulated and observed yields stated the reliability of the model simulations. The agreement index (D-index) for Sree Bhadra ranged from 0.55 to 0.99, and the D-index for local varieties ranged from 0.51 to 1.00. The calculated values of normalized objective function ranged from 0.01 to 0.10 for Sree Bhadra and 0.00 to 0.22 for other local varieties, and indicated better agreement of simulated and observed yields. The normalized root mean square error ranged from 0.80% to 10.40% for Sree Bhadra and 0.00% to 22.44% for other varieties, and these results suggested the wider applicability of the model with excellent to good simulations. The model also simulated dry matter distribution in tubers pertaining to different stresses such as water, nitrogen and potassium. The study revealed that the simulation model ‘SPOTCOMS’ can be used for simulating the yield as well as to manage the stresses during the crop growth period and to optimize best management practices for the crop cultivation irrespective of the agroclimatic conditions.

Evaluation of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes under Allahabad Agro-climatic Conditions in India

The present investigation was carried out to elucidate the information on the performance of groundnut genotypes for quantitative and qualitative traits. The experimental design consisted of 11 groundnut genotypes (including one check) arranged in Randomized complete Block Design with three replications in the Kharif season 2014 at Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHIATS Allahabad, Analysis of variance revealed the presence of considerable variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. On the basis of mean performance among 11 genotypes ICG 163 was best genotype in growth like primary branches per plant (7.77), days to maturity(107.33), pod yield per plant (17.89 g), kernel yield (21.12 q ha-1) and oil yield (997 kg ha-1). ICG 434 and ICG 513 were the best in protein content (23.68%) and oil content (47.73%).

Conservation of Indigenous Cattle Breeds

India, one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries in the world, is home to large diversified cattle genetic resources, having 190.9 M cattle and so far 43 registered native cattle breeds. These cattle breeds are specially adapted to different agro-climatic conditions of India and their genetic diversity is due to the process of domestication over the centuries. There is decrease of 4.10% in cattle population and 3.14% in cattle genetic resources of India as compared to the quinquennial livestock census. The exotic/crossbred population has been increased by 20.18% during the period of last census while population of indigenous cattle has been decreased by 8.94% during the same duration. The reasons for depletion of native breeds includes crossbreeding with exotic breeds, economically less viable, loosing utility, reduction in herd size and the large scale mechanization of agricultural operation. The native breeds need to be conserved for genetic insurance in future, scientific study, as a part of our ecosystem, cultural and ethical requirements and for energy sources in future. The indigenous breeds of cattle posses various unique characteristics such as the presence of unique genetic variation in HSP70 gene family, carry a ‘thermometer gene’ and presence of A2 allelic variant in cow milk, which makes them well adapted to the tropical climate.

Comparative Histoarchitectural Study of Splenic Components in Sheep and Goat

Animal husbandry practices like sheep and goat rearing offer many advantages for beginners and also experienced farmers. They are well suited and productive for the prevailing agro-climatic conditions in India. In mammals, health status is governed by the organ of lymphatic system. Though spleen is the secondary lymphatic organ, it is the largest among the lymphoid organs which plays a crucial role in immune function. For the present study, splenic tissue from adult sheep and goat (6 Nos. each) were collected from Corporation slaughter house, Chennai. Gross, microscopic and immunohistochemical observations were done. Micrometric observations of various structures were also recorded. The spleen of sheep was triangular, whereas, in goat it was roughly quadrangular in outline. In both the species, parenchyma was covered by a thick capsule, predominantly made up of collagen, elastic and smooth muscle fibres. Thickness of capsule in sheep was 150±10.33μ and in goat it was 141±11.5μ. Trabeculae originated from inner side of the capsule and extended in to parenchyma in both the species. Parenchyma was made up of white pulp and red pulp and the proportion of these were almost equal. The white pulp was composed of splenic nodule and peri-arterial lymphatic sheath. Red pulp was compost of irregular splenic cords separated by splenic sinusoids. Immunohistochemical localization of T-lymphocytes revealed the distribution of T-lymphocytes around the PALS and also scattered in the red pulp.

Growth, flowering and fruiting behaviour of different blueberry (Vaccinium spp) genotypes under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Four southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium spp. ) cultivars, viz. Jewel, Misty, Gulf Coast and Sharpblue along with Austin, and Alapaha (Rabbiteye) were studied for their vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting behaviour at CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2015-16. A significant variation was observed for annual shoots/cane growth and growth pattern among these genotypes. Southern highbush cultivar Jewel produced maximum (49.05 cm) shoots/cane length with vigorous growth, closely followed by a rabbiteye cultivar cv. Austin (48.36 cm) and minimum shoot growth (39.02 cm) was observed in Alapaha. The growth rate at different interval was also recorded and it was observed maximum at D2-3 intervals in all genotypes.The results also showed significant variation with respect to various foliar characters, viz. leaf size, specific leaf area, number of flowers/cluster, corolla size (length and breadth), number of stamens/flower and color of corolla. All southern highbush blueberry cultivars were earliest to flower as compared to rabbiteye. Similarly, a significant variation was observed for number of flowers and fruits/cluster among genotypes. Gulf Coast had maximum (8.78 flowers/cluster) number of flowers/cluster followed by Jewel (7.67 flowers/cluster) another southern highbush blueberry cultivar. The harvesting of southern highbush cultivars, viz. Misty and Gulf Coast was earliest among other genotypes and both rabbiteye blueberries the harvesting was late starting from 21 May in Alapaha and 27 May in Austin. However, the yield of individual cultivars was not recorded but cumulative yield at the end of harvesting it was observed to be 200-250 g/bush (data not presented). The southern highbush blueberries such as Jewel, Misty, Gulf Coast and Sharpblue have shown encouraging results with satisfactory growth, flowering and fruiting thus they can be grown in Himachal Pradesh and areas prevailing similar agroclimatic conditions in India.

Global sensitivity and uncertainty analyses of a web based crop simulation model (web InfoCrop wheat) for soil parameters

Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses are critical for identifying the most sensitive parameters of the crop simulation models. These analyses will help the users to concentrate more on calibrating those sensitive parameters. The soil parameters are important input parameters as the soils regulate the supply of nutrients and water required for the growth and yield of crops. The aim of this investigation is to perform the sensitivity and uncertainty analyses of the soil parameter inputs of the Web InfoCrop Wheat model, especially under the water deficit- and high temperature stress conditions for different agro-climatic conditions of India. Sensitivities of soil input parameters (15) were analysed by crop simulations under the no stress (potential), water deficit- (limited irrigation), high temperature- (+3 °C above ambient), and their combined stress conditions for a period of 10 years across four sites in the wheat-growing regions of India. The partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) were computed, followed by the top-down concordance coefficients. Amongst the soil input parameters (15) and outputs (10) considered, the nutrient parameters such as NITRATE, ORG_CARB (Organic carbon), AMMONIUM were the most sensitive input parameters under the no stress (potential) and high temperature stress conditions. On the contrary, the parameters related to the soil moisture such as CLAY (Clay %), FLD_CAP (Field capacity), SATU (Saturation) and MOISTURE (initial soil moisture contents) were the most sensitive input parameters under water deficit stress conditions. Both the sensitivities and uncertainty of soil parameters under different crop production and environmental conditions influenced the outputs of the Web InfoCrop model significantly. Identification of the most sensitive soil parameters that need to be measured accurately improved the simulation efficiencies of this crop model.

Persistence of chlorfluazuron in cabbage under different agro-climatic conditions of India and its risk assessment.

A multilocational field trial was conducted at 4 locations in India-Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal-to determine the persistence in cabbage of chlorfluazuron applied twice at 75 and 150 g active ingredient ha-1 . Cabbage head samples were collected from each replicated plot on 0 (2 h after spraying), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 d after final insecticide application, including an untreated control. Chlorfluazuron residue in cabbage and field soil was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography using a photo diode array detector. The limit of determination and limit of quantification of the method were recorded as 0.05 and 0.10 μg g-1 , respectively. Results revealed that chlorfluazuron dissipated linearly with progress of time, following first-order kinetics. The mean (± standard deviation) half-life value of chlorfluazuron in cabbage was found to be 7.18 ± 0.71 d, considering different locations and treatments. The residue was below the level of quantification in the harvested cabbage and soil samples. Harvesting cabbage in the experimental location, at least on day 7, after 2 applications of chlorfluazuron at the recommended dose, may not pose any ill effect for Indian adults. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3028-3033. © 2017 SETAC.

Initial performance of ten oil palm cross combinations under three agro-climatic conditions in India

&lt;p&gt;High yielding hybrids can play an important role in increasing the productivity of oil in the oil palm. With a view to evaluate high yielding new oil palm cross combinations, a field experiment was conducted in different agro-climatic regions of India &lt;em&gt;viz&lt;/em&gt;., Zone No-10 Southern Plateau and Hills (Gangavathi, Karnataka), Zone No-12 Western Coastal Plains and Ghats (Mulde, Maharashtra) and Zone No-11 Eastern Coastal Plains and Hills (Vijayarai, Andhra Pradesh) involving ten cross combinations of tenera oil palm (NRCOP 1-10). The data from three locations over two years indicated that, significantly higher annual rate of leaf production per palm was recorded in NRCOP-6 (21.7) compared to NRCOP-3 and it was on par with other hybrid combinations. Significantly higher sex ratio was recorded with NRCOP-4 (63.1%) compared to NRCOP-1 (54.6%) and NRCOP-6 (54.8%) and was on par with other hybrid combinations.The hybrid cross combination, NRCOP-4 recorded significantly higher fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) yield 12.5 t ha-1 compared to NRCOP-1, NRCOP-3, NRCOP-7 and NRCOP-9 and it was on par with remaining hybrids and a similar result in bunch weight and number of bunches per palm was recorded. Pooled data on FFB yield for 2013-15 indicated that the hybrid combination NRCOP-4 which recorded higher FFB yield (12.6 t ha-1) at Gangavathi and at Vijayarai (22.6 t ha-1) have better prospects for adaptation under Tungabhadra command area and coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. For Konkan region of Maharashtra, the hybrid NRCOP-8 recorded the highest FFB yield.&lt;/p&gt;

Dissipation pattern and risk assessment of flubendiamide on chili at different agro-climatic conditions in India.

Dissipation pattern and risk assessment of flubendiamide and its metabolite (desiodo flubendiamide) on chili were studied at four different agro-climatic locations of India at the standard and double dose at 60 and 120ga.i. ha(-1) at 10days interval. Quantification of residues was done on a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with a photo diode array detector. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of this method was found to be 0.01mgkg(-1) while limit of detection (LOD) being 0.003mgkg(-1). Residues of flubendiamide were found to be below the determination limit in 15days at both the dosages in all locations. Half-life of flubendiamide when applied at 60 and 120ga.i. ha(-1) ranged from 0.85 to 1.80 and from 0.95 to 2.79days, respectively. On the basis of data generated under the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, a preharvest interval (PHI) of 1day has been recommended and the flubendiamide 480 SC has been registered for use on chili in India by the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The maximum residue limit (MRL) of flubendiamide on chili has been fixed by the Food Safety Standard Authority of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, as 0.02μgg(-1) after its risk assessment.